Biography
Who is Erica Johnson?
Who is Erica Johnson? In short she’s an Inspirational Soul singer and writer.
In depth, she’s a passionate, creative, independent, professional young woman with drive, ambition and vision. Not only is she willing to keep dreaming despite the challenges of life, she’s determined to see those dreams come to pass.
Erica is intent on being a powerful source and force of light to the world around her through her gifts of music and writing.
At three (3) years of age Erica’s Mom decided she’d put her in the church Children’s choir, as she’d already begun showing interest in music. She began piano lessons at five (5) years old.
Erica was a part of the school band from Elementary through High School playing flute and piccolo, where much of her music theory knowledge was garnered. Along the way she loved tinkering around on the acoustic and bass guitar.
She was also a member of the School Choruses throughout her schooling, and began a Gospel choir her senior year of High School.
During her attendance at Western Michigan University, she was a Directress for the WMU Voices Gospel Choir. She began to do professional studio session singing work and she also sang with a girl group, “Ha-Ya,” all over lower west and east Michigan.
With no prior knowledge of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), she learned to navigate Pro Tools and was able to successfully release her first self produced, self recorded full length debut Album, “Reach for Your Dreams” in 2007. She played all instruments included keyboard, bass, guitar and flute, and sang all vocals.
Her follow-up project was an EP entitled “Today,” released in 2010. The title song “Today” won third place in the Choice Hotels Rising Star Contest among hundreds of entrants.
Erica lead the song "Tis So Sweet" by Major Label Artist Deitrick Haddon with his choir LXW, and also did background vocals on his project entitled "RED."
She’s no stranger to auditions as she auditioned for many singing opportunities including “The Voice” singing competition. She also did some co-writing with Producers Luther "Mano" Hanes (who has produced for artists like CeCe Winans, and Andre Crouch), Austin “Osjai” Jacobs, Garrick “Schmitty“ Smith, and Josiah "Chuks" Bell.
After spending 3 years in LA, love brought her back home to the Metro-Detroit area. She married the love of her life, Detroit Producer and Musician Emanuel Johnson II, and together they have an amazing, musical little toddler Emanuel III.
She has dabbled in the Voice Over industry after attending instructional classes, and has produced and written children's songs for hire through her Voice Over talent.
She has also served as Worship Leader and Musician for hire throughout her life for various churches and assemblies.
Erica has recently become an International Artist by being afforded the opportunity to perform at SolFest Punta Cana 2022 in the Dominican Republic. Headlining the Festival were Charlie Wilson, Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild, Leela James, KEM, Ledisi, and Eric Benet.
Erica is happy to have released the long anticipated full-length follow up to her debut album entitled "Life, Love and Inspiration" October 23, 2021.
Some of her musical influences are: The Clark Sisters, Brandy, Prince, Michael and Janet Jackson, Amel Larrieux, Fred Hammond, Kim Burrell, India Arie and Jill Scott.
All of her music is available for download and streaming online through Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube and more.
Professional Experience
Live Performance
Erica Johnson has been afforded the opportunities to perform at SolFest Punta Cana, Music Hall Jazz Cafe, the Detroit Ribs and Soul Festival, The African Festival, Live at Campus Martius Park, the Beacon Park Lunch Time Series, to name a few.
Erica was a featured Vocalist on the song "Tis So Sweet" at Deitrick Haddon's live recording for the Choir LXW in Los Angeles California. She also sang Background Vocals on his project entitled "Red."
Bands & Groups
There are quite a few choirs and groups that have helped shape Erica's Vocal Performance. She sang in the choir at church, choral music and band in school, took private lessons, sang background vocals for various musical acts, as well as was a member of the girl group "Ha-Ya," later named "Tru."